Page 94 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien

Tad laughs and shakes his head. “Not for Space Con.”

He’s got me there. It’s bittersweet knowing that our time together is coming to an end, but I strongly feel that I’ve found my people. And we’ll hang out in person again.

“What are we feeling today?” Poppy asks.

I speak before anyone else can, knowing Tad will always vote to scavenge for rare comics. “I’m tired of wandering around, and there are no panels I’m interested in. I say we do some tabletop gaming.”

“I’m curious to try it,” Ravik says.

It’s rare that they express interest in anything, so now I’m doubly committed. I glance at Tad and Poppy.

She nods after a moment of reflection. “I haven’t played since college. Sounds fun!”

“I’m in,” Tad adds.

Seeker offers no objection. “I am unfamiliar with the concept, but I’m sure I can pick it up with sufficient guidance.”

“I want to spend time with everyone,” Jaz says. “So I’m willing also.”

I lead the way and get us signed up. Since we’re a large group, they split us into two tables, each with our own volunteer guide. I’m with Seeker and Ravik while Jaz goes with Poppy and Tad. I’ve never played Starforged before, but the team provides ready-made characters to jump-start the fun. Once the overview is complete, we get started.

I roll a d6 to seal my vow, getting a strong result. Seeker monitors everything I do, preparing to take his turn. Ravik seems intrigued by the storyline, and their approval is hard-earned, worth more than any treasure we might loot in our fictional escapades.

“Seeker, plot our course. Ravik, prepare to board the enemy craft.”

The guide checks the result and shakes his head. “They’ve chosen to flee, not fight. The man who murdered your grandmother may be onboard. What do you do?”

I confer with Seeker and Ravik. “This relates to my vow. There are consequences if I don’t fulfill it.”

“We give chase,” Ravik says at once.

“On it,” Seeker replies.

We roll the dice and this time get a favorable result. The guide gives us a thumbs-up. “You’ve managed to catch up, and you’re within firing range. What do you do?”

“We need to board,” Seeker says. “Otherwise, Jen—I mean Captain Flynn—cannot confirm that her target is on the vessel.”

“Ravik, is the boarding party ready?” I ask.

They incline their head ever so slightly. There is no shift in facial expression; now that I’m cognizant of that detail, their tech disguise seems faintly unnatural, just the vague hint of uncanny valley, a resemblance that’s almost—but not quite—perfect.

Ravik’s character, a notorious space marauder, is poised for the attack. “I’ll hunt down that murderous rogue, Captain.”

Whoa, they’re really getting into it. How fun.

A couple of hours later, we wrap up a successful mini quest. It looks like Tad, Poppy, and Jaz are finishing up too. I stand up, gather my things, and stretch. Sitting on a folding chair for that long was rough, but I had fun. Hopefully Seeker and Ravik did too.

“How was it?” I ask, as we reconvene outside the tent.

Before the others can reply, Seeker nudges me. “Isn’t that Ponytail?”

I spin around with a scowl. “For fuck’s sake…”

Tad follows my gaze. “You know, some people find my height intimidating. I’m not really a scary guy, but I’m getting tempted to see if I can pull it off, just once.”

“Dressed as Kraglin?” Poppy snorts.

Ponytail is joined by…oh shit. That’s the guy from the museum. And they’re definitely comparing notes. If they managed to snap any photos, they won’t show an image. I tested it myself, and it’s just a blur. That will only invite more questions.